In the last five years, Nebraska gained three hockey teams - the University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks, Lincoln Stars and Tri-City Storm in Kearney. Omaha’s team – the Lancers – has been around since the 1980s. All four regularly play to packed houses.

Many hockey fans say they like the sport because it’s so physical, one of the same reasons they like Husker football. Hockey isn’t new to Nebraska – the Omaha Knights were popular in the 1960s.